On Thursday, May 17th the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area was represented at the New York By Rail Travel Show at Penn Station in New York City. The travel show corresponded with the publication of Amtrak’s New York By Rail magazine, which features both an advertisement and an article about the National Heritage Area's newly released Hudson River Train Tour app. Between New York City and Albany, a world of history, nature, and culture awaits you. And there’s no better way to experience it all than by riding a train through the Hudson Valley. With the free Hudson River Train Tour app, you’ll discover what’s out that train window…and beyond. Produced by the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, in partnership with the National Park Service, this mobile app introduces you to castles, lighthouses, mansions, and more. You’ll see many intriguing sites along the rail lines, including a number of bridges, lighthouses, estate homes, and picturesque landscapes. Part travel guide, part audio tour, the app not only identifies these waterside wonders-it helps you plan visits to the historic, natural, and cultural attractions located near Hudson Valley train stations. Discover more here.

Governor Cuomo Appoints Dr. Kevin M. Burke as Chairman for the Greenway Conservancy of the Hudson River Valley

The Hudson River Valley Greenway is pleased to announce that Dr. Kevin M. Burke has been appointed by Governor Cuomo as Chairman for the Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley. As a Harvard-trained lawyer, Ph.D, and native of the Hudson River Valley, Dr. Kevin M. Burke has been incredibly valued for his impeccable insight and determination he has contributed to the Greenway Conservancy. Kevin Burke was appointed to be a member of the Greenway Conservancy in 2010 and by 2015 he was elected Treasurer of the Conservancy Board. In 2016 he was elected Vice Chair of the Conservancy, also serving at that time as the Acting Chair.

“I thank Governor Cuomo for the honor of this appointment. My family’s roots run deep in the Hudson Valley, and, at this dynamic time in the life of our region and state, I’m thrilled to accept this challenge,” Burke said in a statement. He continued to say, “Since its founding, the Greenway has been a friend to communities up and down the Valley and a model for the nation of a public-private partnership that works for the benefit of the people, the environment, and the culture and history we share. As Chairman, I look forward to working with the Conservancy Board, Chairman McHenry of the Communities Council, the Greenway staff, and our many partners to ensure that our beloved River and the breathtaking trails coursing on – and alongside – it remain sources of wonder and inspiration for generations to come."

Hudson River Valley Greenway Announces $40,000 in Grants

At their April meeting, the Greenway Board approved four matching grant awards totaling $40,000. The funded projects include:

$10,000 to the City of Port Jervis, Orange County,for a comprehensive plan update.

$10,000 to the Town of Greenville, Greene County, to fulfill the vision in the Town's Comprehensive Plan of making the North Barn in Vanderbilt Park an important community gathering space.

$10,000 to the Village of Pawling, Dutchess County, for a comprehensive plan update.

$10,000 to the Town of Saratoga, Saratoga County, to design and construct a trailhead connecting U.S. Route 4 with the Old Champlain Canal Trail/Empire State Trail.

The application deadline for the next grant round is August 10, 2018. Applications and guidelines are available here.

Governor Cuomo Announces $100 Million Available to Fund Clean Air And Alternative Transportation Projects

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the availability of $100 million in transportation funding to support and enhance community growth and revitalize downtown's. Funding will support a range of projects, including the construction of pedestrian and bicycle facilities, recreational trails, and safe routes to schools, to community improvements such as historic preservation and projects that reduce congestion and gas emissions. Projects will be selected through a competitive solicitation process that rates proposals based on criteria that includes public benefit, air quality improvement, and finance or delivery innovation. Selected projects will also help municipalities meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act and the Americans with a Disabilities Act. Projects must be related to the surface transportation system and provide full access to the public. Applications for funding may be developed by any municipality or non-profit incorporated group. Projects must be sponsored either by a municipality, a state agency, or public authority eligible to administer federal transportation funds. Read more here.

Path Through History Weekend!

On the weekend of June 16-17, New York will celebrate the first of two Path Through History Weekends in 2018. Events will take place throughout New York State. In 2012, Governor Cuomo unveiled the statewide "Path Through History," initiative that links historically and culturally significant sites, locations and events throughout New York State. This effort to highlight our rich heritage aims to not only showcase the state's history and cultural significance, but also promote tourism and economic development in communities across the state. Events taking place throughout the Hudson Valley during both Path Through History Weekends on June 16-17 and October 6-8 are listed here.

2018 Distinguished Achievement Award Event In Honor of Captain John Lipscomb of Riverkeeper

On June 10th, Mohonk Consultations will present the 2018 Distinguished Achievement Award to John Lipscomb, Patrol Boat Captain and Vice President for Advocacy at Riverkeeper. For the last 17 years, John has patrolled the Hudson River for Riverkeeper aboard the “R. Ian Fletcher,” a 36-foot Chesapeake Bay style wooden vessel. From April into December each year, Lipscomb travels between 4,000 and 5,000 nautical miles between New York Harbor and Troy, searching out and deterring polluters, monitoring tributaries and waterfront facilities, and conducting a sampling program to measure water pollution. Join Mohonk Consultations as they celebrate John and his steadfast dedication to the Hudson River on June 10th! Learn more here.

Don't Forget to Register Your Event for the 2018 Hudson River Valley Ramble!

Registration for the 2018 Hudson River Valley Ramble is now open. This year's Hudson River Valley Ramble will be held September 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, and 29-30. Submit your event by June 10th to have your event featured in the Ramble booklet, which is distributed region-wide and beyond to high-traffic tourism destinations. Sponsorships are also available at all levels, and more information is available here.

June 2: Join us for a talk and tour with Josh Viertel, as you learn about sustainable beef, egg, vegetable, honey bee and mushroom growing. Under Josh's leadership The Harlem Valley Homestead is developing a diversified working farm on 250 beautiful acres nestled between the Appalachian Trail and the Tenmile River into a center where people can come, stay, and have transformational experiences learning about food and farming. Find out more here.

Bird Walk, Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown, NY

June 2:Join the Alan Devoe Bird Club for a walk around Clermont State Historic Site. Participants of this free event will be looking for spring migrant birds throughout the site. Learn more here.

Lupine Fest 2018, Albany Pine Bush Preserve, Albany, NY

June 2: Witness the magic of spring at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve's 14th annual Lupine Fest. Fields of violet Lupine flowers and fluttering Karner Blue butterflies set the stage for visitors to explore and support the Albany Pine Bush Preserve and its partners. Visitors can enjoy nature walks, hands on activities with community partners, music, games, crafts, food, vendors and more! All ages. No pets allowed at this event. Free! Read more here.

June 2: Mark Twain will be portrayed by Bob Gleason, an actor from the acclaimed American Historical Theatre of Philadelphia. Diners will have the opportunity to meet and interact with our guest, as they enjoy period banjo music and a silent and live auction.The candlelight dinner, prepared by Bridgecreek Catering, will be served in our 18th century Dutch barn. Learn more here.

Gilded Age Scandals!, Staatsburgh Historic Site, Staatsburgh, NY

June 3:Ruth and Ogden Mills were paragons of respectability, but some of their famous friends were not! Tour the mansion while hearing about the scandalous behavior and intrigues of the very rich at the turn-of-the-century. Read more here.

Gray Matters: Connecting Dementia & Alzheimer’s to Olana, Hudson, NY

June 6:Join us for Olana’s bimonthly program designed for individuals with early stages Alzheimer’s & Dementia and their family or caregivers. Once a month the program will be outside in Frederic Church’s artist-designed landscape; participants will be driven on the historic carriage roads in an electric carriage. Find out more here.

Family Camp Out, Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Cornwall, NY

June 8-9: Welcome the summer season with a night under the full moon at the HHNM’s Outdoor Discovery Center, on Muser Drive, across from 174 Angola Road, Cornwall. After dinner, bring your family, tent, and sleeping bags for an evening of nocturnal fun. As the sun goes down, join us for entertainment and s’mores around the campfire. A light breakfast snack and coffee will be provided Saturday morning as we break camp. Read more here.

June 9: From Seashells, to flowers, to animals and even the stars above, many natural phenomena share a beautiful spiral structure that follows the Fibonacci sequence. In this workshop, we'll combine art and science by closely observing specimens, making Eco art prints and creating a mandala inspired by the spiral forms. Time and weather permitting, we will walk around the pond looking for spirals in nature. Read more here.

Historic Hot Dog Picnic, FDR's Top Cottage, Hyde Park, NY

June 9: Come celebrate the Roosevelt's by recreating the historic Hot Dog Picnic at FDR's historic hilltop retreat, Top Cottage, where Great Britain's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth were hosted on June 11, 1939 on the eve of World War II. Learn more here.

Hudson Kayak Eco-Tours, Henry Hudson Park, Bethlehem, NY

June 9, 14, 23: Join Bethlehem ecologists and town staff for an easy Hudson Kayak Eco‐tour of the river and its tributary, the Vlomankill, to learn about local fish, birds, the watershed, and even see a small waterfall. This free public program is part of a broader public engagement process related to Bethlehem’s open space planning initiatives. Discover more here.

Hudson Crossing Triathlon, Hudson Crossing Park, Schuylerville, NY

June 10: Join us for a great race at beautiful, historic Hudson Crossing Park in Saratoga County. This is a 500 yard swim, 12 mile bike, and 5k run in a fantastic venue in the Champlain canalway system. The course will run through Schuylerville and Hudson Crossing Park trails. It will be a chip timed race. Read more here.

Adult Scavenger Hunt & Beer Tasting, Oakwood Cemetery, Troy, NY

June 14: People asked for an adult scavenger hunt during the kids scavenger hunt so here it is! Your adult scavenger hunt! There is also the option to partake in a beer tasting. Enjoy local craft beer samples provided by Rare Form Brewery. Find out more here.

Clearwater Festival, Croton Point Park, Croton-On-Hudson, NY

June 16: Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival (Clearwater Festival), the country’s oldest and largest music and environmental festival, brings together major musical acts and Clearwater’s own brand of green activism for a unique weekend every June. Other offerings that make the Revival experience unique and memorable include the Working Waterfront, offering rides on small boats and tall ships including the sloop Clearwater and the schooner Mystic Whaler. Read more here.

Children's Day at the New Windsor Cantonment, New Windsor, NY

June 17: A fun-filled day of family entertainment on Father's Day with the Two by Two petting zoo, magician Mr. Bayly and a host of 18th century games. Free admission. Learn more here.

Art Authenticity and the Art Market, Jay Heritage Center, Rye, NY

June 19: Irina Tarsis will discuss the Salvador Mundi case(s) and then expand into the sphere of the proposed NYC Bill to protect art authenticators. Her remarks will also include a discussion of the Knoedler Gallery saga, the history of the gallery, it's sudden closure and the ensuing lawsuits. Read more here.

A Revolutionary Camp at Night at the Historic Huts, New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, New Windsor, NY

June 23: From 7:00 to 9:30 PM, at the huts, owned by The Town of New Windsor, on the west side of Route 300 and on the north side of Causeway Road, experience candlelight military drills, musket firings and other period activities done at the encampment at New Windsor. Find out more here.

June 23:Simple chair yoga and meditation practices can help us release stress, relax, feel healthier and calmer, sleep better, and ultimately can help shift our perspective, enabling us to feel more in charge of our lives, and have a more compassionate, inclusive and empowered view of the world. Class takes place inside the Gothic Chamber. Read more here.

Moonwalk, Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, Highland or Poughkeepsie, NY

June 29:Have you ever dreamt about spending a moonlit evening on the Walkway while enjoying scenic views of the Hudson River Valley? Here’s your chance! Enjoy breathtaking twilight views from 212 feet above the Hudson River. View the night sky with telescopes provided by the Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association (weather permitting). Learn more here.

June 27: Get down and dirty with Rockefeller Preserve's volunteer team! Dig and cut invasive vines and shrubs, and plant and care for native wildflowers, while learning about what you're doing every step of the way. No experience is necessary. Read more here.

International Mud Day, Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Cornwall, NY

June 30: Come to the HHNM’s Outdoor Discovery Center, on Muser Drive, across from 174 Angola Road, Cornwall to welcome summer with a mud-riffic day of play in Grasshopper Grove! Thousands of children in dozens of countries worldwide celebrate Mud Day as a chance to appreciate nature and the great outdoors by getting muddy. Bring a towel or a change of clothes. Find out more here.

One of many blast furnaces in this iron ore-rich region, Clove Furnace opened in 1854, producing some 5,000 tons of iron by the following year—and 101,000 tons in the decade between 1871 and 1881. Iron produced here was used for the manufacture of stoves and other hardware. The furnace was shut down in 1885 and now serves as headquarters of the Orange County Historical Society. The restored stack, spillway, and other buildings provide a rare glimpse into an important 19th century industry in the Hudson River Valley, while the adjacent museum explains the iron-making process and offers displays about other aspects of Orange County history. Hiking trails in Harriman State Park pass many of the mines that supplied this and other furnaces. Discover more here.

Project Spotlight: The Town of North Castle Comprehensive Plan

The Town of North Castle was awarded a Compact Grant for the creation of an updated Comprehensive Plan. The Town of North Castle’s last Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1996. That document included an extensive analysis of existing conditions and outlined a wide range of recommendations, many of which were implemented through

zoning amendments and capital improvements. The updated Plan is intended to serve as a guide for orderly growth and change and provide a rational basis for future planning and zoning decisions. The concluding Future Land Use Plan and Implementation section of this Plan incorporates the Town’s essential characteristics and future goals addressed in the following chapter topics: Regional Context; Demographics and Growth Trends; Land Use and Zoning; Natural Resources; Transportation; Infrastructure and Utilities; Housing; Commercial and Industrial Development; Parks, Recreation and Open Space; Community Character and Historic Resources; and Hamlet Areas. The final piece of the Plan is an Action Agenda that is both part of the document and can also be used as a stand-alone “To Do” list for the Town Board. Feedback and recommendations from a multitude of public workshops have been reviewed and appropriately integrated into this Plan.

Green Tip of the Month: Watch How You Wash

The average dishwasher in US homes today uses 8.7 gallons of water per load. Washing by hand for 10 minutes with water running can use 20 gallons of water. Today's dishwashers are about 95% more energy-efficient than those bought in 1972—your old dishwasher may be costing you more in energy bills than it would take to buy a new one. Learn morehere.

Grant and Funding Opportunities

Greenway Conservancy Trail Grant Program

This annual grant program is dedicated to funding recreational trail projects. Special consideration is given to projects that seek to implement the goals of the Greenway Trail Program. This year's application emphasizes connections to the Empire State Trail, and makes funding available for Water Trail projects. Applications are due August 10, 2018. More here

Hudson River Valley Greenway Grant Program

Matching grants available for Greenway Communities and Greenway Compact Communities. Deadline: August 10, 2018. More here.

National Heritage Area Sponsorship's Available

The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HRVNHA) will partner with various organizations to sponsor programs and events that reinforce the Heritage Area’s mission. While complementing the mission of the Heritage Area, cultural, heritage and recreational events deliver significant tourism and economic benefits to communities, and encourage local and regional partnerships. Municipalities and nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations located within the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area are eligible to apply. For more information, please contact Dan Jeanson at daniel.jeanson@hudsongreenway.ny.gov or 518-473-3835.

Teaching the Hudson Valley Explore Awards

These matching grants are intended to create opportunities for students to explore the history, environment, and culture of the Hudson River Valley, connecting their studies to significant places. They encourage students’ appreciation for and stewardship of their communities and cultures, and connect teachers with site educators and place-based learning. Eligible expenses include transportation and admission fees to eligible Hudson Valley locations for school groups. Read more here.

NPS Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance

Have an idea for a trail, river, or park in your community? The National Park Service can help! The National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program supports community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation projects. Conservation and recreation planning professionals partners with community groups, nonprofits, tribes, and state and local governments to design trails and parks, conserve and improve access to rivers, protect special places, and create recreation opportunities. Applications for assistance are due June 30, 2018. Find out more here.

Hudson River Estuary's Local Stewardship Planning Grants

Approximately $350,000 is now available for Local Stewardship Planning. This Request For Applications (RFA) will help Hudson River Estuary watershed communities and organizations design projects to increase resiliency to flooding, protect water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and natural resources. The minimum award amount is $10,500 and the maximum award amount is $50,000.

Eligible Projects: Local organizations and communities may apply to advance five categories of projects and programs through planning, feasibility studies, and/or design:

Adapting land uses and decision-making to factor in climate change, flooding, heat, drought, and sea-level rise projections in Hudson River shoreline communities.

Making water infrastructure more resilient to flooding and/or sea-level rise;

Using green infrastructure practices as a means to reduce combined sewer overflows;

Market New York is a grant program that supports regionally themed marketing projects that promote tourism destinations, attractions and special events, as well as tourism facility capital improvement projects. Additionally, eligible projects include the hosting, coordination and execution of special events new to New York State, and the promotion of agritourism and craft beverage tourism. On May 1, 2018 the CFA portal/application will be accessible. On July 27, 2018 the CFA portal/application will close. Learn more here.

Media Projects: Development Grants

The Media Projects program supports film, television, and radio projects that engage general audiences with humanities ideas in creative and appealing ways. All projects must be grounded in humanities scholarship in disciplines such as history, art history, film studies, literature, drama, religious studies, philosophy, or anthropology. Projects must also demonstrate an approach that is thoughtful, balanced, and analytical (rather than celebratory). The approach to the subject matter must go beyond the mere presentation of factual information to explore its larger significance and stimulate critical thinking. NEH is a national funding agency, so the projects that we support must demonstrate the potential to attract a broad general audience. Deadline: August 8, 2018. Read more here.

Media Projects: Production Grants

The Media Projects program supports film, television, and radio projects that engage general audiences with humanities ideas in creative and appealing ways. All projects must be grounded in humanities scholarship in disciplines such as history, art history, film studies, literature, drama, religious studies, philosophy, or anthropology. Projects must also demonstrate an approach that is thoughtful, balanced, and analytical (rather than celebratory). The approach to the subject matter must go beyond the mere presentation of factual information to explore its larger significance and stimulate critical thinking. NEH is a national funding agency, so the projects that we support must demonstrate the potential to attract a broad general audience. Deadline: August 8, 2018. Read more here.

2018 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is making funding available to support bicycle, pedestrian, multi-use path and non-motorized transportation-related projects as well as programs and projects that reduce congestion and improve air quality. Administered by the NYSDOT, these funds are made available to the State through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ). Combined, NYSDOT's TAP-CMAQ program provides reimbursement of up to 80 percent of project-related costs with the remaining 20 percent provided by project sponsors. Deadline: August 16, 2018. Find out more here.

Technical Assistance Grants (TAG)

A signature grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Preservation League of New York State, made possible with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Grants of up to $3,000, with a required $500 match from each applicant, are available to non-profit groups and municipalities that manage historic sites, museums, arts facilities and other important institutions that serve an arts or cultural purpose and are open to the public. Deadline: September 18, 2018. Learn more here.

Ann and Abe Effron Donor Advised Fund Grants

The Community Foundations exist to enhance the quality of life for all citizens in Dutchess, Ulster and Putnam counties. We support a broad and diverse range of issue areas including the arts, education, community development, conservation, health, and human services. Deadline: October 15, 2018. Read more here.

Humanities New York Grants

Quick Grants of $500 are now available for in-person public humanities program​s​. These matching grants are ​intended for small and volunteer-run organizations. Proposals ​will be accepted on a rolling basis while funds last.

Vision Grants: Seed funding for project development of up to $1,500 in support of brainstorming, researching, and professional development for organizations working collaboratively to develop new ideas and program strategies. Proposals ​will be accepted on a rolling basis while funds last. These grants aim to:

Support emerging and established partnerships between different groups on a shared project that may develop into public-facing activities.

Infuse program design with humanities themes and methodologies from the start.